Believers in All Faiths Have Duty
March 30th, 2005 by sfuqua
Rev. Al Bloom of Hawai'i writes of the duty of all religious believers
to express the social, affirming implications of their religious beliefs when
engaged in social discourse, as well as the need to understand the meaning
and fact of "separation of church and state."
By Rev. Al Bloom,
January 2005
The role of religious faith and politics is one of the pressing issues of
our day. How are we to express our faith freely in the arena of public debate
and choice? Religious faith is an important facet of personal identity,
defining who we are. It is, therefore, inevitable and appropriate that
religious faith and values influence our social views and participation.
However, we live in a religiously pluralistic, multicultural, democratic
and free society. All of us have the right to be who we are and to speak out
for what we believe. Living in such a complex society places a responsibility
on all of us to bring our views to the table in an informative and respectful
manner.
There are sharp differences of opinion on numerous social issues that have
a religious foundation, such as abortion, stem cell research, gay rights,
women's rights, capital punishment, war, and separation of church and
state. In the context of free discussion, each person can advocate one's
view.
The assumption in any democratic process is that all participants work to
achieve the common good, which includes life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness for all. Consequently, it is the responsibility of advocates to
demonstrate how their views are conducive to the public welfare. An advocate
must show that, regardless of one's sacred scriptures and personal
beliefs, each individual's views contribute to the social good for
all.
The importance of the principle of separation of church and state is not
merely the issue of the intrusion of one institution into the sphere of
another. It means that no person or institution can coerce a citizen's
conscience or limit personal choices that do not undermine or injure society
simply by politically legislating behavior based on religious belief, even if
it is the majority belief. There must be a compelling reason to prohibit a
behavior. Secular societies prohibit murder, not because it is part of a
divine moral code, but because such acts create disorder and violate a
society's peace and security.
There are, therefore, two principles that must be observed as we involve
religious faith in social decisions. One is to demonstrate contribution of a
belief in the social good that also affirms respect for all people. The
second is to understand that the separation of church and state strictly
prevents religious bodies from using the power of the state to legislate and
enforce their beliefs in a manner that denies democratic process and the
diversity of a free society. Courts are necessary to clarify the
boundaries.
Religious discussions can be maintained and spiritual values recognized
through a commitment to human dignity and adherence to the democratic
process. The best minds on all sides can work mutually for the common good,
motivated by their spiritual traditions, while maintaining diversity.
Dialogue means to "talk it through." We can have discussion rather
than argument and differences in the context of commonality. The spiritual
health of the community and the vitality of religious faith will be
strengthened for all.
The Rev. Al Bloom, Ph.D., is a University of Hawai'i professor
emeritus of religion. He attends Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist temple. Reprinted
by permission from the January 29, 2005 edition of the
Honolulu Advertiser.
